Former Tory MP Teresa Gorman has died, aged 83

Teresa Gorman's family have confirmed that the former MP has died(Twitter)

Teresa Gorman MP has died, aged 83. A former MP for Billericay in Essex, Ms Gorman was widely hailed as a maverick politician, whose rebellions over Europe and the Maastricht Treaty nearly brought down John Major's government. The Conservative whip was withdrawn for refusing to back the EC Finance Bill in 1994.

A colourful and at times controversial character she famously lied about her age to boost her prospects when she first stood for election in Essex. She publicly called for rapists to be castrated and was known for her public enthusiasm for hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

She held the Billericay seat until 2001. In recent years, she shifted her allegiance to UKIP, and voted for the party at the general election in May.

Known for her trademark bright yellow jackets, she explained she wore them so the then Speaker, Betty Boothroyd, couldn't miss her when she stood up to speak in the Commons chamber.

Leading political figures have been paying their tributes to Gorman on social media.

Deeply sad to hear Teresa Gorman has passed away. She was personally so supportive. Britain has lost a patriot.